Electrochemical system with real time modification of composition and use of complex wave form in same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vapor compression refrigeration cycles are limited in efficiency due to the selection of working fluids and the mechanical compressor's high energy consumption, which accounts for approximately 30% of household energy requirements, and there is a need for more efficient thermal management in electronic circuits.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical compressor system utilizing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for in situ local generation of hydrogen gas, which is then used to oxidize protons for water pumping and compression, allowing for a more efficient refrigeration cycle by modulating the operating voltage between electrolysis and compressor modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a mechanical compressor is used in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, then the system can pressurize the gaseous working fluid, but the energy consumption increases significantly (accounting for approximately 30% of household energy requirements)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor with an electrochemical cell that uses electrochemical reactions (electrolysis and fuel cell modes) to compress the working fluid. The electrochemical cell utilizes membrane electrode assemblies where hydrogen is electrolyzed to generate protons and electrons, and then recombined to drive the compression process, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the electrochemical cell by switching between electrolysis mode (where electrical energy is consumed to split water into hydrogen and oxygen) and fuel cell mode (where hydrogen and oxygen recombine to produce electrical energy and compress the working fluid). This parameter switching allows the system to achieve compression with lower net energy consumption compared to conventional mechanical compressors.
2Productivity
If the operating voltage of the electrochemical cell is switched between electrolysis and compressor modes, then the in situ generated hydrogen can be used for water pumping and compression, but the system complexity increases due to voltage switching control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation of the electrochemical cell by continuously switching between electrolysis and fuel cell modes based on the compression cycle requirements. The controller dynamically adjusts the voltage polarity and magnitude to match the instantaneous needs of the compression process, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and optimize compression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between electrolysis and fuel cell modes in a cyclic manner that corresponds to the compression stroke requirements. During electrolysis mode, hydrogen is generated in advance; during fuel cell mode, the stored hydrogen is consumed to drive compression. This periodic action synchronizes the electrochemical reactions with the compression cycle, improving overall productivity while managing system complexity through rhythmic operation.
3Power
If in situ hydrogen generation is used in the electrochemical compressor, then the working fluid can be pressurized efficiently, but the presence of hydrogen reduces the overall efficiency compared to systems using only the phase change component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase change compression mechanism with in situ hydrogen generation and consumption in a single integrated electrochemical system. The hydrogen generated during electrolysis is immediately consumed in the fuel cell mode to drive the compression process, creating a coupled system where the hydrogen acts as an energy carrier rather than a separate component. This merging allows efficient pressurization while minimizing energy losses through direct coupling of the electrochemical reactions with the compression process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle by using in situ generated hydrogen to increase the pressure of the working fluid, leading to improved energy savings and reduced environmental impact, while also providing a scalable and noiseless thermal transfer solution.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochemical cell is capable of producing high pressure gas from a mixed fluid system including an electrochemically-active component such as hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
the in situ hydrogen is oxidized to protons for water pumping and compression through the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical system having an electrochemical compressor with an operating voltage that is controlled by a controller is described. The operating voltage between a first and second electrodes separated by an ion conducting material, such as a proton conducting polymer, may be oscillated in a waveform. The controller may reduce the voltage to low pressure side of the electrochemical compressor to initiate electrolysis for a set time interval and then may change the operating voltage to operate the electrochemical cell in a compressor mode. When the electrochemical cell is operating in an electrolysis mode, in situ hydrogen is produced on the low pressure side that may be used as a electrochemically active component of the working fluid when the electrochemical cell is switched to a compressor mode. The controller may have a control program that automatically controls the operating waveform as a function of sensor input.